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A Howling Good Weekend with Pierce Brown

In the past week, I have had not one, but TWO evenings in the presence of the immensely talented, intelligent and, dare I say, rather good-looking Pierce Brown, author of the Red Rising trilogy and creator of my inner voice, Sevro.

Please be kind. I am a terrible photographer, even with a good camera.

In Conversation With Pierce Brown – February 20th

Pierce’s first event in London was at Waterstones Piccadilly, a Q&A session organised by the Post Apocalyptic Book Club. Pierce completely blew me away with his answers to questions, providing an insight into just how deep he went researching the basis of his crafted society.

Pierce killed a character because he pulled their name out of a hat to show the capriciousness of war. #PierceOnTour

I convinced Chantelle (@oh_thestories) and Anissa (@anissareads) to come with me, and I ran into fellow Twitterfiends Alphie (@PhoenixAlphie) and Kirsty (@kirstyes). I briefly saw Sally (@TheDarkDictator) as well, but only fleetingly, so I demanded that the next time we saw each other, we were getting a photo together.

What made the evening truly special, though, was unexpectedly running into a friend from my student days who I hadn’t known was a big reader. A member of the Post Apocalyptic Book Club (the organiser of the event), she came along with Kirsty (@kirstyes), both being occupational therapists (you know…what I studied to be…). She spotted me in the audience a few seats away and sent a message via Facebook asking if I had a doppelgänger, or if I was actually at the same event as she was. What are the chances?! Along with Kirsty and Chantelle, we went for a few pitchers of cocktails at a nearby restaurant and bar. Note to current and potential friends: I do like a good cocktail! And she just happened to have biltong with her…yummmm…

Oh, and let’s not forget that none other than BILL NIGHY walked into Waterstones after the event. No, I did not get a picture with him. I didn’t want to disturb the incredible experience of being in a bookshop for him.

Howler Party at Hodder – February 22nd

I will forever be grateful for the invitation Hodder extended to me to come into their bubble and drink wine with other fans and the great man himself. Again, I brought along Anissa and Chantelle!

Pierce was amazing, making an effort to speak with everyone, and he even took a stroll on the rooftop terrace with Anissa, Chantelle and me. Boy, was he charming. I’m not sure how he handled all the people, given his introversion. But then, people are always surprised to hear that I’m an introvert! From our conversation, I got the feeling we both had “social modes” that we could turn on when necessary. Halfway through the night, Pierce treated us all to a reading from Morning Star, complete with a hilarious attempt at an accent. 😛

Social mode was completely worth it. (As was drinking six glasses of wine the night before my big exam.) I met @WaterstonesDork, Daphne (@wingedreviews) and Ola (@incendiumlibri). I also got a photo with the beautiful Fleur from Hodderscape. 😀 (Thank you thank you thank you for all the hard work you do!)

It’s bittersweet looking at these photos now, as I had the most incredible time at both of these events. I was lucky enough to not only meet Pierce, but also some of the wonderful people who work at Hodder, AND some New Friends. We’re already planning our next excursion in London. 🙂

Can’t believe I’m not going to see @Pierce_Brown again until whenever he next visits the UK. The past three days have been surreal.

Gahhh, this must have been so amazing! I’m glad you turned on your social mode so you could enjoy it. It’s good to hear that Pierce Brown was so nice in person! I’m almost halfway done with Morning Star, and I’ve already cried. I don’t want to finish, haha.

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